Book Review: Christmas From Heaven

I was asked by Deseret Book if I would be interested in reading and reviewing some of their current best-sellers.  Being a huge book nerd, I jumped at the chance.  They sent me copies, but the reviews and opinions are my own.

From the publisher:  


Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin.
As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would "bomb" Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as they approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive.
Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as "Uncle Wiggly Wings" or "The Candy Bomber." Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic Americans. Lt. Halvorsen's small idea became a great symbol of hope not only to German children in a bombed-out city but to all those who yearned for freedom.
Famed broadcast journalist and author Tom Brokaw brings this remarkable true story to life in a stunning live performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, captured on the accompanying DVD. Also included in the book is a template and directions for creating your own “Candy Bomber” parachutes.

I love Christmas books.  LOVE.  But I am also really picky about them--I don't need anymore random Rudolf or poorly illustrated stories about squirrels who discover True Meanings or whatever.  I want beautiful books that are thought-provoking or fun or both.  I don't want to be manipulated into crying because the little match girl ran out of matches and THERE WAS NO ROOM AT THE INN, guys.  I hate that crap.  Christmas books are so tricky.

Christmas From Heaven was perfect for my family.  The true story absolutely captivated my eight-year-old and the pages are long and  smooth and gorgeously illustrated.  She really enjoyed reading it, and then I put on the DVD that came with it and she just about died from the awesome.  "Mom!  He's reading at the same time as me!*"  She didn't care that it was Tom Brokaw in a velvet sport coat with his velvet voice** she was just captivated by the story and the performance.  (I have had the pleasure of attending a Temple Square Christmas Thing years ago, and I know how amazing the productions are--and Christmas From Heaven was no different.  I wish I could have seen it live.)  And then--THEN!-- the most delightful, beautiful deviation from the book happened on stage.  And we all*** started crying.  (I don't want to give it away, but there was an awesome visitor.)  

As soon as it was over, we talked for a minute about how one person doing one good thing makes a difference, and then my daughter ran the book to the neighbor's house because she wanted to share it before they went to bed.  (That NEVER happens with Christmas stories about alligators who want the perfect gift.) 

Christmas From Heaven is awesome.  It would be a perfect gift for families with older kids, especially if you attach some mint gum to go along with the story.  I have a feeling it will be making the rounds throughout our neighborhood this year. 

*Apparently she really missed out on my generation's "At the sound of the bell, Turn The Page" records. 
**I did.  Delightful.  He can read me the phone book. 
***My friend Cat and I.  I am super pregnant and emotional, and she was feeding off of my hormone vibe in a big way.